In 471, four-year-old Tuoba Hong succeeded to the throne from his father Emperor Xianwen(also named Tuoba Hong,454-476). Nevertheless, he was nothing but a puppet as real power was in the hands of his grandmother Empress Dowager Feng(442-490).
The empress dowager had been fearful that once growing up Tuoba Hong might be a threat to the Feng family; as a result, she developed a strong dislike of him. On a cold day of winter she had scantily-clad Tuoba Hong locked up in a secret room, and not offered him any food for three days. On another occasion, the little emperor was cruelly flogged just because he was too generous towards the servants.
A Pottery Figurine Funeral object, the Northern Dynasties Actually the empress dowager had tried to dethrone Tuoba Hong, but failed owing to violent opposition of the court officials. Tuoba Hong bore the pain and humiliation with great fortitude for 20 years. Only after his grandmother died in 490 did he take over the reins of government.
